It is not the most glamorous topic, but it matters more than most guidebooks admit. When you are out all day in an unfamiliar city, the question of where to find a toilet can quietly take over your thoughts. A little foresight removes the worry completely, so that you can enjoy the sights, the food and the walking without keeping one eye on the nearest door.
Plan ahead, and ask politely
Do not wait until you are desperate. Use a toilet whenever you have the chance, for example when you stop for a drink, before a long walk or before you board a train or bus. Many places have them: cafés, restaurants, large shops, libraries, museums, railway stations and some public gardens. Notice them as you walk, and make a mental note of where they are, so you know where to go later.
If you use a café or a restaurant, it is polite to buy something first, even a small drink. Ask the staff kindly whether you may use the facilities. Most people are happy to say yes, especially if you are a customer. Speak clearly, smile, and say thank you. In a place where you do not speak the language, a gesture and the local word for toilet are usually enough.
Some public toilets need a coin or a token, so keep some small change in your pocket. Others may be basic or have no paper, so carry a few tissues with you. Take a small bag of your own with you into the cubicle, and keep it on your lap or on a hook rather than on the floor. Be prepared for differences in style and habit from those at home, and do not be alarmed by them.
If you are travelling with children or with someone who needs more time, plan the day with that in mind. Choose walks that pass through places with facilities, and take rests at regular intervals. It also helps to look at the map before you set off and to mark a few places along your route. A relaxed body makes for a relaxed day, and you will hardly think about it once you have a plan.
